The An Luong embankment in Duy Nghia Commune was originally built in 2006 along the Thu Bon River to shield residents in Thuan An and An Luong villages from flooding and coastal erosion.
However, heavy rains and upstream floodwaters during the 2025 rainy season triggered major erosion along the structure, damaging the entire 1km seawall and extending the affected area by another 500 metres, local authorities said.
The erosion has encroached deep into residential areas, threatening homes and infrastructure along the riverbank.
Residents said sandbag reinforcements installed late last year had deteriorated, with some sections washed away by tides, leaving large cavities beneath the embankment and prompting authorities to erect warning barriers.
Nguyen Duoi, a local resident who has operated a metal workshop and fish cages near the embankment for nearly two decades, said the erosion had moved to within about 1.5 metres of his property.
“We hope the embankment can be rebuilt and completed before this year’s storm season. People are willing to cooperate with authorities, we just do not want to continue living in fear,” he said.
Several houses are now only 1-3 metres from the eroded edge, while damaged piers used by fishing boats have been replaced with temporary steel structures.
Nguyen Van Hoang, vice chairman of Duy Nghia Commune People’s Committee, said authorities were accelerating preparations for the anti-erosion project despite expected difficulties in site clearance due to the embankment’s proximity to riverside roads.
On April 22, Danang authorities issued an emergency construction order for projects aimed at restoring the An Luong embankment and tackling coastal erosion in nearby Hoi An areas.
The two projects carry a combined investment of nearly VND 500 billion (USD 19.1 million), including about VND 210 billion allocated for the An Luong embankment restoration.
The projects are scheduled for completion in 2026.
During a site visit on May 4, Danang Vice Chairman Tran Nam Hung described the embankment as an urgent public safety project vital to protecting residents and property, urging authorities to complete site clearance by May 15 to keep construction on schedule.